Lone Tree Teen Court
Lone Tree Teen Court is a unique, youth-led alternative to the traditional municipal court system for first-time, non-violent juvenile offenders. Built on the principles of restorative justice, the program gives eligible teens a meaningful opportunity to take responsibility for their actions, repair harm, and build skills that foster long-term success—all within a peer-supported environment.
Launched in January 2017, Lone Tree Teen Court was created in partnership with Douglas County Teen Court. Since then, it has grown into a dynamic, community-supported initiative. In its first year alone, over 90% of participants successfully completed the program, setting the tone for its continued impact. Today, the program operates under the framework of the Colorado Teen Court Association, bringing young people, families, and volunteers together in service of a safer, more connected community.
Accountability, Growth, and Community
At the heart of Teen Court is a commitment to balanced and restorative justice, a philosophy that emphasizes three goals:
- Accountability – Encouraging youth to understand the real impact of their actions and take responsibility.
- Competency Development – Helping teens build skills and confidence to avoid future offenses.
- Community Engagement – Connecting young people with their community through service and education, reinforcing a sense of belonging and contribution.
A Restorative Path for Youth – Respondents
Teen Court is limited to first-time non-violent Juvenile Respondents, spanning from ages 10-17, who have received a criminal citation to appear before the Lone Tree Municipal Court. All juvenile criminal cases in the City of Lone Tree are screened to determine eligibility for the Teen Court program. Teen Court is an entirely voluntary program. Juvenile Respondents, and their parent/guardians, must elect to participate in Teen Court, understanding that participation involves Juvenile Respondents accepting full accountability and responsibility for the fact that they committed a crime.
Even if your case is screened eligible for Teen Court, Juvenile Respondents are still required to appear in the Lone Tree Municipal Court for the arraignment date listed on their citation. At the arraignment date, the City Attorney will discuss the details of the Teen Court Deferred Prosecution Agreement with the Juvenile Respondent and their parent/guardian. If the Juvenile Respondent and their parent/guardian elect to participate in Teen Court, they will then be formally referred into the program by the City of Lone Tree Municipal Court Judge. The next step after being referred into the program is the Juvenile Respondent and their parent/guardian will be contacted by the Teen Court Coordinator to set up the program Intake Meeting. This meeting will go over program expectations, important deadlines, and details of the Peer Panel.
How It Works
Teen Court provides an alternative avenue to traditional Municipal Prosecution for first time Juvenile Respondents who have committed a criminal offense. In Teen Court, Juvenile Respondents come before a panel of their peers, other Teens in the Lone Tree community, who have undergone the City’s General Legal Training program in order to be qualified to sit and hear these cases. These trained Teen volunteers, ultimately decide on a sentence for the Juvenile Respondent that the panel deems necessary under the circumstances. Common sentencing options for the Peer Panel include community service, classes, essays, letters of apology, and additional restorative-based projects. The goal of the Peer Panel is to try and develop a sentence that will be in service of helping the Juvenile Respondent repair any harm this situation has caused themselves, others most directly impacted around the Juvenile Respondent, and any harm that may have been caused to the Community. The driving force behind the Teen Court program is our dedicated group of Teen Volunteers that volunteer their time in service of helping other teens who have received a criminal citation find a better way forward.
Juvenile Respondents participating in Teen Court are permitted three months from the date of their Peer Panel to complete their sentencing requirements. After the three-month deadline, the Juvenile Respondent will conduct an Outtake Meeting with the Teen Court Coordinator to ensure sentence compliance. If the sentencing requirements have not been satisfied by the Outtake deadline, or if the Juvenile Respondent has received a subsequent criminal violation while in the Teen Court program, then the case will be referred back to the Lone Tree Municipal Court for further proceedings.
Resources for Respondants
A Learning Experience for Everyone - Volunteers
Teen Court is not just for respondents—it’s also a valuable leadership and learning opportunity for youth volunteers in the Lone Tree community.
Middle and high school students, ages 12 to 17, can apply to serve on Peer Panels and participate in Teen Court’s many educational and service-based activities. No prior experience is necessary. All volunteers begin with General Legal Training (GLT), an in-depth training covering all aspects of the Teen Court process, the restorative justice principles of our program, as well as program expectations for volunteers. Prospective volunteers receive community service hours for their participation in GLT. After successfully completing GLT, students are then permitted to begin volunteering on Peer Panels in Teen Court. GLT is held on an as needs basis, varying on the current number of active program volunteers.
In addition to courtroom service, volunteers are invited to attend community service events, educational programs, and social gatherings that build connection and civic pride.
For those interested in deeper involvement, the Student Leadership Board (SLB) offers a chance to shape the future of Teen Court. SLB is the thoughtful agency behind the Teen Court program, to help drive improvements and lead outreach initiatives on behalf of Teen Court in the Lone Tree Community. SLB members meet twice a month to help plan events, assist with volunteer training, and propose program improvements. Applications open once a year and require a one-year commitment.
Adults Welcome, Too
Adult volunteers play a vital role in supporting Teen Court’s mission. By assisting with hearings, mentoring youth, and helping with training or community events, adults serve as anchors in a youth-driven space. Volunteers must complete an application, background check, orientation, and observe a live panel before getting started.
Whether mentoring a teen volunteer or offering guidance to a young respondent, adult volunteers help ensure Teen Court remains a safe, effective, and empowering experience for everyone involved.
Get Involved or Learn More
Whether you’re a youth interested in volunteering, a parent seeking information for your teen, or a community member looking to support meaningful local justice, Teen Court welcomes your involvement.
Applications are considered on a continual basis, and all applicants will be notified when General Legal Trainings are scheduled. For more information about participation, training dates, or volunteer applications, contact the Teen Court Coordinator at teencourt@cityoflonetree.com .